Retractable handle arrangement for a door or the like

Abstract

A retractable handle arrangement comprises a handle movable between stowed and deployed states, a motor and transmission means arranged to couple the motor to the handle for moving the handle from the stowed state to the deployed state when the motor is driven in a first direction, and to modulate the force exerted on the handle and the speed at which the handle is deployed as the handle travels from the stowed state to the deployed state.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A retractable handle arrangement comprising:
 a handle adapted and arranged to be mounted flush within a panel, the handle being movable between a stowed state and a deployed state, and arranged such that it can be maintained in the deployed state; 
 the handle comprising an elongate element behind which a user can place their fingers to pull the handle, wherein the handle is pivotable about an axis disposed proximate to a first end of the elongate element, said axis being substantially perpendicular to a length of the elongate element, such that the handle rotates about the axis when the handle is moved from the stowed state to the deployed state, thereby creating a gap between the elongate element and the panel, the gap being behind the elongate element such that the user can place their fingers into the gap to pull the handle; 
 the handle further comprising a top cover portion extending from the elongate element along the length of the elongate element, the top cover portion being fixed for rotation with the elongate element and arranged, when the handle is in the deployed state, to substantially cover the top of the gap between the elongate element and the panel, the handle further comprising an end cover portion, arranged to cover, in the deployed state, at least a portion of the gap at a second end of the elongate element when the handle is deployed out from the panel such that the second end of the elongate element is spaced from the panel; 
 wherein the elongate element includes an inner surface provided below the top cover portion and between the end cover portion and the axis, on which the user can place their fingers to pull the handle. 
 
     
     
       2. A body component for a vehicle comprising a panel having an outer surface having an aperture for receiving the handle of the retractable handle arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the aperture receives the handle as a close fit and an outer surface of the handle is shaped to match and lies flush with the outer surface of the panel when the handle is in a stowed condition. 
     
     
       3. A body component according to  claim 2 , wherein the axis about which the handle rotates is arranged such that a first portion of the handle is pivoted internally of the panel and a second portion of the handle is pivoted externally of the panel. 
     
     
       4. A body component according to  claim 3  wherein the handle is manually operable by engaging the first portion so as to provide access to the second portion. 
     
     
       5. A body component according to  claim 3  wherein a flexible sealing member is provided between the handle and the aperture. 
     
     
       6. A vehicle having a handle arrangement as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
       7. The retractable handle arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the top cover portion extends from the first end of the handle to the second end of the handle. 
     
     
       8. The retractable handle arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the top cover portion is secured to the handle such that the top cover portion moves with the handle as the handle is rotated from the stowed state to the deployed state. 
     
     
       9. The retractable handle arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein the top cover portion extends from the first end of the handle to the second end of the handle. 
     
     
       10. The retractable handle arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the gap extends laterally between the elongate element and the panel, and the top cover portion extends laterally from the elongate element toward the panel, thereby covering the lateral gap. 
     
     
       11. The retractable handle arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the top cover portion extends away from the elongate element in a direction perpendicular to the length elongate element, thereby covering the top of the gap.